A message fromDNR Secretary Dan Meyer

BEN PIERSON

Residents of Wisconsin know a thing or two about winter. And one of the best suggestions for getting through the season is simple: Stay active.

At the Department of Natural Resources, we offer plenty of ways for folks in the state to keep moving throughout the winter months. That includes cross-country skiing, one of the most popular cold-weather activities at our beautiful state properties.

Hundreds of miles of ski trails are maintained during the winter at dozens of parks, forests and recreation areas statewide. Last year, the department launched an online ski conditions report for trails at state properties, and this well-received tool will continue for the upcoming winter season. You can find this trail report, trail pass information and everything else you need to know about cross-country skiing at state properties by checking Cross-country skiing.

In addition, state properties offer hiking and snowshoeing on non-ski trails when conditions allow it and there is winter camping in many locations.

Ice fishing is another winter favorite in Wisconsin. If you've never gone ice fishing or haven't been in a while, the DNR's Free Fishing Weekend is always a good time to try. It's Jan. 19-20 this winter and allows free fishing with no license required on most state waters.

Remember to be safe when you're out on the ice – don't go alone and don't take chances in unfamiliar areas. Find other safety tips and fishing information at Ice fishing in Wisconsin.

Snowmobiling also is a popular winter activity in the state and the DNR works diligently to provide a safe experience there, too. Check Snowmobiling in Wisconsin for regulations, safety information and details on required snowmobile registration and trail passes.

The nine-day gun deer season may have closed but there are still plenty of deer hunting opportunities out there. The archery and crossbow season runs through Jan. 6 and there will be an antlerless-only holiday deer hunt in Zone 2 farmland counties Dec. 24-Jan. 1.

The popular Christmas pheasant hunt will be back again this year. Pheasants from the State Game Farm will be stocked by DNR for a holiday hunt at select properties. Find out more about that by going to Pheasant hunting.

Looking ahead, we hope to bring you updates in the coming months on next year's elk hunt following the first managed elk hunt in state history this fall.

Speaking of looking ahead, we are already making plans for next spring and summer. As you'll read later in this edition, a major part of DNR's planning involves the new camping reservations system we are putting into place. Camis is replacing ReserveAmerica as our new vendor and the system is set to go live before the end of the year. Check State Parks, Forests, Recreation Areas and Trails for updates and information on how to use the new system.

We're here to help you enjoy your Wisconsin winter – it wouldn't be our great state without it. #OutWiGo.